Viterbo Narrowly Loses at Luther

DECORAH, Iowa – The Viterbo University Men's basketball team dropped a close game, 71-68, on the road at Luther College (Iowa). The V-Hawks fall to 5-3, while the Knights improve to 3-0.

Luther took control of the game early, going up 10-2, then 17-4. Cole Crubel hit a three to end the run, then recorded a steal to set up Nick Malovrh for a triple. LC also hit a three, and Stefan Popovic hit one to answer, but even after a Malovrh layup, Viterbo trailed by 10. Keegan Severn's free throw ended a two minute scoring drought for the V-Hawks, and Malovrh found Crubel for three with 10 seconds left and Viterbo trailed 40-27 at the break.

A Colin Adams steal led to Ben Olson converting an and-one early in the second half, and the teams contributed to trade baskets, including a Lydell King layup and Malovrh and-one. Crubel hit a three, then Jack Moins recorded a steal that led to a pair of free throws to make it a single digit game, 57-66. Garret Locy hit both from the stripe, followed by a Malovrh triple to bring the score to 62-66 with 3:21 left, then Locy hit a three to make it one possession, 65-68 with 2 minutes left. Crubel's layup made it one point, but they were forced to foul, and Malovrh's late three point attempt rimmed out, as Viterbo lost 68-71.

Malovrh led all players with 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Crubel recorded 15, and Monis added 12 with three steals. Matthew Franzen had 17 points and Luke Prendergast had eight rebounds for the Knights.

Luther narrowly outshot Viterbo 46.5% - 42.5% from the floor, and each team shot almost identical 38% from three. Luther grabbed 42 rebounds to Viterbo's 29, but committed six more turnovers, 8-2.

Viterbo returns to action on Saturday, November 18 as they host Valley City State in the NSAA Preview game.